Taxus brevifolia

Taxus brevifolia Nutt.

Pacific yew, Western yew

Synonym(s):

Pacific yew or western yew is a 15-50 ft., evergreenshrub or small tree with red-brown, scaly bark; horizontal, drooping branches and deep, yellow-green foliage in flat sprays. Poisonous, nonresinous, evergreentree with angled trunk often twisted or irregular and with broad crown of slender, horizontal branches; sometimes shrubby.

The strong wood has been used for archery bows, poles, canoe paddles, and small cabinetwork; however, the limited supply and small dimensions restrict use. While most parts of yew plants, are deadly poisonous, the red, juicy cup around the seed is reported to be edible, provided the poisonous seed is not chewed or swallowed. Birds eat these cups and scatter the seeds.